College of Education Honors Graduates with Hooding Ceremony held Aug. 8

August 15, 2014

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A total of 20 students in the College of Education at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi were recognized for their achievements in earning their master’s or doctoral degrees during a hooding ceremony held Friday, Aug. 8, in the University Center, Lone Star Ballrooms.

Historically, scholars in some higher education settings wore robes as a daily uniform. They wore hoods with these robes for warmth. Over time, the size, shape, and lining of the hood came to signify a scholar’s academic rank. The ceremonial hooding of scholars became a tradition that continues to this day.

By placing the hood over the students’ heads, professors symbolically welcome them as fellow scholars. Today, the hood’s colors represent a graduate’s university and major. The length of the hood relates to rank: the longer hoods of doctoral students represent their additional years of scholarship. The hooding ceremony has been a favorite tradition in the College of Education since 2002. The ceremony is also a chance for students to recognize the family, friends, and educators whose support helped make their graduation possible.